Your HVAC system is an essential utility. We rely on our heating cooling to keep our homes comfortable all year-round. It can also be a significant part of your monthly energy bills. Spending time to find out more about your HVAC system includes a lot of benefits. You can increase its efficiency and select the ideal replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll review how to find the best HVAC system in Rapid City.
What Is HVAC?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This utility system keeps indoor temperatures comfortable. It also takes care of air quality through filtration and humidity control equipment. As a group, these systems work together to keep our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your everyday HVAC system will have three principal components: heating, cooling and ventilation. Some places won’t always have both heating and cooling, like temperate climates or in older homes.
Most HVAC systems function by circulating air in and out of your home. Depending on the specific system, heat can be introduced or removed to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can carry the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always required. Many HVAC accessories such as air filtration equipment are installed within the ductwork for maximum efficiency.
There Are Different Types of HVAC Systems
HVAC technology has come a long way in terms of overall design and efficiency. Homeowners have additional options than ever when choosing an HVAC system. There are several different models, with one or more being the most appropriate combination for your comfort needs. These vary from popular air conditioners and furnaces to alternatives such as the heat pump.
Air Conditioners
An air conditioner is a groundbreaking piece of technology that pulls heat out of the air using a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Extra heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is extremely efficient for keeping cool throughout the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The dependable central furnace has been the most common way to heat your home for many years. It frequently runs on natural gas or oil, combusting the fuel to generate heat. This heat warms the air that circulates through your home while vapors are carefully ventilated away. Furnaces use a pilot light or electronic hot surface ignition system to start a heating cycle.
Mini-Splits
Some HVAC systems don’t use central ductwork to provide heating and cooling. A ductless mini-split system is one such piece of equipment. An indoor and outdoor unit are instead connected by copper piping that delivers climate control. You can set up multiple indoor units to heat or cool your home. Some models offer air conditioning while some can handle both heating and cooling.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are an increasingly popular alternative for heating and cooling your home. Compared with central furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps don’t generate their own source of climate control. Instead, they pump heat in or out of your home with air circulation. Lower energy use can help you save on your monthly bill. Heat pumps are ideal for milder climates and can even be installed along with other equipment.
Garage Heaters
This compact kind of HVAC system is used to keep garages warm in the colder months. Most garages are unfinished, so they can be quite chilly to spend time in. Garage heaters use fuel like electricity, natural gas or propane to generate heat. This heat is distributed with power fans. The garage heaters themselves are often manufactured to be portable. They can be carried around the garage freely or attached to the wall. Some models are even mounted to the ceiling.
How Do I Choose an HVAC System?
When deciding on a new HVAC system, there are a few things to consider. You want to find a balance between efficiency and your distinct comfort preferences. You can narrow down possible options with the following tips:
Find the right size for your home: Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, a furnace that’s too powerful for your home may end up costing you in steeper energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the proper size for maximum effectiveness.
Focus on energy efficiency for long-term savings: Higher energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways to earn back more savings. Energy-efficient equipment puts less demand on key components and doesn’t need to run as long for climate control. Look for models marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Many local service companies extend special financing for new installation. You may receive special offers for the system itself as well as other advantages like discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Trust new installation to trained professionals: A new HVAC system is a quality investment. You can get the most out of a new air conditioner or heat pump with experienced technicians. They complete air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you enjoy maximum benefit from the start.
Your local expert technicians can assess your home and recommend the ideal HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give Street Heating and Cooling a call at 605-206-3915 today.